Students

EDST1234 – Mathematics for Primary Teachers

2023 – Session 3, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Susan Busatto
susan.busatto@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to BABEd(Primary) or BEd(Prim)BPsyc
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is designed for students intending to teach in primary schools but who did not achieve a minimum of Band 4 in HSC mathematics. The unit focuses on fundamental mathematical techniques and their application to problem solving. The unit adopts a practical, hands-on approach to help students understand and apply their mathematical knowledge and skills in number and algebra, measurement and geometry, statistics and probability.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in number, measurement and data
  • ULO2: Use mathematical concepts, skills and techniques in a variety of contexts
  • ULO3: Select and use problem-solving strategies to solve mathematical problems
  • ULO4: Use mathematical reasoning to justify solution strategies in solving mathematical problems
  • ULO5: Communicate using mathematical notation, diagrams and graphs

General Assessment Information

  • Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic honesty (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3)
  • Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 
  • All assessments are marked using a clear marking scheme.
  • Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.
  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ (https://ask.mq.edu.au/). 
  • It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assessments.  If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor.
  • Quizzes are an individual assessment task and MUST BE COMPLETED by each student individually. 
  • The four quizzes will address the content covered in their respective Modules 1 to 4. 
  • Quizzes must be attempted IN CLASS, and are not offered online. 
  • Unless a Special Consideration (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration) request has been submitted and approved, a supplementary quiz will not be offered. This will result in an immediate Fail for the unit since each quiz is a Hurdle assessment.

University policy on grading 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. For Professional Experience units the PE Report is marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and the Teaching Performance Assessment (in final PE units) is marked as not meets, meets or exceeds. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information. 

 

Grade 

Descriptor 

HD 

(High Distinction) 

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. 

D 

(Distinction) 

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. 

Cr 

(Credit) 

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 

P 

(Pass) 

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes 

F 

(Fail) 

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 

 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component, the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement. 

Withdrawing from this unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact your course progression.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Quizzes 100% Yes Dec 20,2023 Jan 3,10,17. See note Delivery and Resources

Quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 100 hours
Due: Dec 20,2023 Jan 3,10,17. See note Delivery and Resources
Weighting: 100%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Quizzes in Weeks 1-13 covering the content for each week. Students will be permitted multiple attempts for weekly quizzes. Students will need to pass all quizzes to pass the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in number, measurement and data
  • Use mathematical concepts, skills and techniques in a variety of contexts
  • Select and use problem-solving strategies to solve mathematical problems
  • Use mathematical reasoning to justify solution strategies in solving mathematical problems
  • Communicate using mathematical notation, diagrams and graphs

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Please note that under the Quizzes description it says: Quizzes in Weeks 1-13 ... The 13 weeks was specific to Session 2.  It should say Quizzes in Weeks 1-5.  

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.  

Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit. 

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies.

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.  

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn after each tutorial. 

Access and technical assistance

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help. 

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk 

Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357 

Email: help.mq.edu.au.

On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk

Structure

The unit structure can be found in the university timetable https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/  

The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site.

 

Unit Schedule

Workshops will be held on Wednesdays in a face to face mode, on campus, at MQ University.  Workshops In Session 3 will be 6 hours long (including a 1 hour break) and they will run for 5 weeks.  The last class on January 17 will be 5 hours long with a one hour break.

Classes will be held on the following dates:

December 13, December 20, 2023 then January 3, 10, 17, 2024.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

School of Education Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit.

 

Attendance for undergraduate units

See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/

Activities completed during weekly tutorials are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards. Attendance at all tutorials or on campus days is expected and the roll will be taken.  All quizzes will be conducted in class.

Students are required to attend the tutorial in which they are enrolled. Any changes to tutorial enrolments must be completed officially through e-student. Please do not contact the unit convenor requesting a change.

 

Electronic Communication

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via:

  • Official MQ Student Email Address
  • The Dialogue function on iLearn
  • Other iLearn communication functions

 

Fail Rule 

General Coursework Rule 17 stipulates that where a student is enrolled in a practical, clinical or Professional course with fitness to practice requirements: 

  • if a student fails one practical, clinical or professional activity they may be permanently excluded from that course; or
  • if a student fails an essential unit twice or fails the equivalent of 20 credit points they may be permanently excluded from further enrolment in that course.   

Students completing a double degree will be able to continue with their other degree program provided they meet the academic progression requirements of the Academic Progression Policy.

Students completing a single Education degree (such as the BTeach/MTeach) are advised to seek academic advice.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

In Session 2, 2023, the Unit was run over 12 weeks whilst in Session 3 the same work will be condensed into 5 weeks.

 

5Rs Framework

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course. 

Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling. 

In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:

Ready to learn: Successful completion of EDST1234 will set you up with the required mathematics content knowledge and confidence to engage fully with the mathematics curriculum and pedagogy units in your initial teacher education studies.

Resilience The unit aims to build students' mathematical confidence by providing a supportive learning environment and targeted instruction. A conceptual understanding of mathematics will be promoted, with resilience being practised through productive struggles in problem solving tasks where a growth mindset is embraced. Students will draw on social and structural supports including meaningful interactions with peers and teaching staff in the unit. 

Unit information based on version 2023.04 of the Handbook